Google Paid Apple $18 Billion In 2021 For Default Search Spot On Safari: Report

Google not only secured its default search engine status but also reportedly embarked on the development of its own rendition of the Spotlight tool tailored for iPhones.

In recent developments concerning the US v. Google antitrust trial, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, shed light on the competitive dynamics within the search engine industry. During his testimony, Nadella lamented the competitive disadvantage faced by Microsoft's Bing search engine due to Apple's decision to designate Google as its default search engine. The Microsoft-Apple deal did not materialise, primarily due to Apple's existing agreement with Google and apprehensions about potential repercussions from the tech giant.

The focal point of this ongoing legal battle has consistently revolved around the financial terms governing Google's status as the default search engine on Safari across Macs, iPads, and iPhones. Notably, Apple reportedly turned down an approximately $15 billion annual offer from Microsoft.

Estimates presented during the trial had previously hinted at Google paying Apple somewhere between $10 billion and $20 billion for this privilege. However, a recent report by The New York Times now discloses that Google disbursed an approximate sum of $18 billion to Apple in 2021 for this arrangement.

The report underscores Google's strategic motivation for this substantial payment: to maintain its dominant position in the search engine market and thwart Apple's advancements in search technology. Google was evidently apprehensive about Apple's strides in search development, particularly with the introduction of its Spotlight search tool.

Notably, Google not only secured its default search engine status but also embarked on the development of its own rendition of the Spotlight tool tailored for iPhones. This version was crafted for enhanced user-friendliness and better search results. Furthermore, Google actively encouraged iPhone users to opt for its Chrome browser over Apple's Safari, aiming to preserve its stronghold in the search engine arena and hinder Apple from becoming a formidable competitor.

Nadella's perspective on Apple's deal with Google introduces a contrasting narrative. He posits that Apple's continued partnership with Google stems from concerns about the latter's dominance in popular services such as Gmail and YouTube. Nadella stressed Google's potential to leverage these widely-used services to promote Chrome, potentially prompting users to abandon Safari.

Beyond the Apple arrangement, Google has reportedly also entered similar agreements with Samsung and Mozilla. These contractual agreements have been under scrutiny in the ongoing antitrust trial, as the US Justice Department alleges that Google illegitimately fortified its monopoly in online search by financially incentivising phone makers and web browsers to adopt Google as the default search engine, pre-installing its services on Android devices, and exploiting its market clout to suppress competition.

Google remains in the crosshairs of a legal battle initiated by the US Department of Justice and 37 states, with allegations of abusing its dominant position in the search engine industry. The lawsuit contends that Google's tactics involve hefty payments, pre-installation agreements, and market manipulation to stifle competition and preserve its dominance.